Cal Stamenov in the gardens at Bernardus Lodge & Spa
Credit: Bernardus Lodge & Spa
The renowned Carmel Valley-based Bernardus Lodge & Spa and executive chef Cal Stamenov are hosting a lavender harvest celebration at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 11.
The annual event honors the 1,000 lavender plants that are in full bloom among the venue’s olive trees, rosemary and rose gardens. Horticulturist Mark Marino will guide attendees on a tour of the Chef’s Garden that includes wine. Then, guests will enjoy a lavender-inspired buffet lunch with ingredients from Bernardus’ garden and vineyard. Tickets are $95 and reservations are required at 831-658-3400.
Lucia Restaurant & Bar has announced a new summer menu. Dishes include salads with roasted nectarines/arugula/prosciutto or local octopus/King salmon belly/preserved lemon relish; butter-braised Maine lobster with sweet corn puree, tarragon and black truffle vinaigrette; Day Boat Scallop Wellington with chanterelle mushrooms and foie gras; housemade sweet potato pasta; a variety of brick oven pizzas; and Wagyu beef. Also, a four-course chef’s tasting menu is available.
Lucia Bar, in a separate area from the restaurant with more casual dining, has new summer craft cocktails such as Green Tea Collins (Charbay Green Tea vodka, fresh lemon and soda) and Summer in Jalisco (pressed watermelon, muddled cucumber, fresh lime, jalapeno agave and Corralejo Silver Tequila).
In April 2015, Forbes Travel Guide four-star luxury property Bernardus re-opened with new ownership after being closed during a four-month multimillion-dollar transformation. The former on-site restaurant, Marinus, is now closed, but chef Stamenov remained and he is now at the helm of brand-new Lucia. The restaurant was named after the Santa Lucia Range that provides the backdrop to the new 2,300-square-foot outdoor dining terrace. Other highlights include a 25,000-bottle wine cellar, and a food menu that features ingredients from local farmers, foragers, and fishermen.
For more information, visit bernarduslodge.com. Bernardus is at 415 W. Carmel Valley Road in Carmel Valley.
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